uBlock Origin vs Adblock Plus - free ad blocker

uBlock Origin is lighter and stricter out of the box, while Adblock Plus is easier for beginners and supports acceptable ads.

uBlock Origin Chrome extension logo

uBlock Origin

4.7

Efficient, open-source content and ad blocker.

Adblock Plus - free ad blocker Chrome extension logo

Adblock Plus - free ad blocker

4.4

Remove ads on YouTube and everywhere else you browse.

Side-by-side comparison

uBlock OriginAdblock Plus - free ad blocker
Rating4.7 / 54.4 / 5
Reviews35,500188,000
Users~11M+~37M+
PricingFreeFreemium
CategoryPrivacy & SecurityProductivity
DeveloperRaymond Hilleyeo GmbH
Last updated2026-07-022026-08-24
Best forAnyone who wants the most efficient, most configurable ad and tracker blocker available.Users who want an easy-to-use ad blocker with optional acceptable ads support.

uBlock Origin features

  • Filter list blocking
  • Element picker
  • Dynamic filtering
  • Low overhead

Adblock Plus - free ad blocker features

  • Feature list coming soon.

uBlock Origin: pros & cons

  • AI-powered features built in
  • Easy to set up in seconds
  • Regular updates and support
  • Works with your existing workflow
  • Some features require a paid plan
  • Requests access to the sites you visit
  • May slightly increase memory usage

Adblock Plus - free ad blocker: pros & cons

  • Open source project
  • Trusted by millions of users
  • Highly customizable
  • Easy to set up in seconds
  • Some features require a paid plan
  • Requests access to the sites you visit
  • May slightly increase memory usage

Final recommendation

uBlock Origin wins for power users wanting max blocking with minimal memory. Adblock Plus suits beginners who want simplicity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus - free ad blocker?

uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus - free ad blocker overlap in the same job, but they optimise differently: one is tuned for speed and simplicity, the other for depth and control. The side-by-side table above shows the current ratings, install base, pricing and who each one is built for, all synced from the public Chrome Web Store listings.

Can I use uBlock Origin and Adblock Plus - free ad blocker together?

In most cases yes — Chrome runs extensions independently. Keep both only if they cover different needs, because each active extension adds memory use, page scripts and one more set of permissions to trust. If their features clearly duplicate, pick one and remove the other.

Is uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus - free ad blocker free?

Check the pricing row in the comparison table: it reflects the current model for each extension, whether that is free, freemium with paid limits, or paid only. Free tiers change often, so the store listing linked from each card is the source of truth.

Which one is safer to install?

Compare the permissions each one requests on its Chrome Web Store page and prefer the extension asking for less. Also look at the developer, the last update date and the review count — an actively maintained extension with a large install base and narrow permissions is the safer choice.

How often is this comparison updated?

Ratings, review counts and install numbers are refreshed nightly from the Chrome Web Store, and the editorial verdict is reviewed whenever either extension ships a significant change.

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